Page 54 of The Billionaire's Heart

I smile at the thought. “Yeah, it is. And they’re nauseatingly loving to each other.”

“Stop it. That’s nice.” She pushes against my shoulder and I’m loving how comfortable she’s becoming around me.

“You say nice, Sawyer and I think vomiting. Potato, Pot-a-to.” I laugh. “Either way, they started Gallo Enterprises when they first graduated from college.”

“What does Gallo Enterprises do?”

“A lot of different things, from medical devices to farming equipment. Both Sawyer and I learned our work ethic and our dedication to helping non-profits and giving back. We are all blessed, and they taught us how that hard work and helping those who need it can make you a more successful man.”

“I can see that in you. Your parents did good and you're lucky to have them.” Mia says and suddenly I remember that Mia doesn’t know what it’s like to have such loving parents or a family.

I nod. “I am and I’m sorry you’ve never known that kind of love and support.”

She smiles, “Potato, Pot-a-to.”

“Touche. Anyway, you need to be warned that both my parents are huggers, and Mom is going to ask you a million questions. Answer them, don’t answer them. It’s up to you.”

“Okay.”

“And you should know that Sawyer knows about our deal.”

She looks shocked. “He does? How?”

“Actually, it was his idea.” I’m not sure how she’ll feel about this, but I want to be completely open and honest with her about my brother. “Also, he’s a bit of a playboy, so if you want to steer clear of him, it won’t hurt my feelings in the slightest.” I give her a sarcastic smile. “Really. I’m okay with that.”

Mia places her hand on my knee. “You don’t have to worry about your brother and me. I’m a one fake engagement at a time kind of girl.” She laughs and for some reason, that statement pisses me off a bit, but I hide it. She doesn’t need to know that part.

“Okay. Good. If you need anything or need to just get away for a moment, because my family can be a bit much all at once, then don’t hesitate to leave… I mean go upstairs or outside. I don’t mean leave, leave…”

“I know what you meant. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know if I need my space, but I’m actually looking forward to meeting your family.”

“You are?” I wrinkle my forehead. “Why?”

“Yeah. It’ll be fun.”

The doorbell rings right then. “Well, ready or not, here they come.”

“Ian? You in here?” my mother calls out, letting herself, Dad, and my brother into the house.

“In here. Coming.” I take Mia’s hand and lead her towards the great room, but stop short just before leaving my office. Turning around, I cradle her head in both of my hands and lean it to kiss her, hesitating slightly to see if she’ll protest. When she doesn’t, I kiss her gently. As I’m pulling away, Mia leans more into our kiss and I don’t know what that means, but mother is calling in the other room. I pull back more from Mia and look directly in her eye. “Me too.”

She nods and then fixes her lipstick.

Taking her hand again, I lead us out into the great room. “Hi Mom. Dad.” I release Mia’s hand and pull my mother into a hug and then kiss her on the cheek.

“Son.” My father shakes my hand and pulls me into a hug.

“What? I get no love?” Sawyer asks as he picks cheese cubes from the snack platter Paula left out as hors d’oeuvres.

“Not as long as you’re eating all the food, you don’t.” I chastise him and then take Mia’s hand again. “Everyone, this is Mia McIntosh. My fiancé.” Hearing her name and title makes me happy inside and, again, I’m not ready to admit why to myself.

Mom comes over with both arms open wide. “Finally, we meet. Welcome to the family, Mia.” Mom pulls her into a hug as Dad approaches.

“Nice to meet you, Mia.” He hugs both Mom and Mia at the same time, as Mom hasn’t let her go.

“Mia, that’s my mother Cynthia Gallo and my father, Lukas Gallo. That lump over there,” I point to Sawyer as he keeps eating all the cheese cubes, “Is my little brother, Sawyer.”

“Not so little anymore, brother.” He replies as he tosses a cube of cheese at me and then waives at Mia. “Nice to meet you.”

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